Political Science at Francis Marion University

Florence, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Political Science and Government
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,289/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (182,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #493 of 521 Political Science and Government programs

Program Analysis

Studying Political Science and Government at Francis Marion offers a strong foundation in critical thinking and analytical skills, but it's essential to understand the regional employment landscape. Florence, SC, and the surrounding area don't typically host the high-paying federal government, policy think tank, or corporate strategy roles often found in major political or economic hubs. Your career path here might more commonly lead to local government, non-profit administration, or generalist roles in businesses where your broad analytical skills are valued, rather than specialized, high-earning positions. The program likely prepares you well for civic engagement and public service within South Carolina. To maximize your career prospects and mitigate future job displacement risks, actively pursue internships that build tangible, transferable skills like data analysis, advanced research, or technical writing. Network diligently to access opportunities beyond the immediate region, or plan for graduate studies to specialize in fields like law or public administration.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Political Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $385K $398K $391K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.6x 8.9x 8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.6x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 50% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,640
Out-of-state: $86,176 (4.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$53,804
-21% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
13.3 months of Year 1 earnings

About Francis Marion University

Francis Marion University has a 82% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a smaller institution with 2,640 students in Florence, SC.

See all programs and financial aid at Francis Marion University →

Top Career Paths

Political scientists $139,380/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Political Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Francis Marion University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Political Science at Francis Marion University?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Political Science programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Political Science degree from Francis Marion University?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Political Science at Francis Marion University?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Francis Marion University a good choice for Political Science despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Francis Marion University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →